Since its launch for the 2011 model year, the Nissan JUKE has stood out from the crowd with its fiercely sculpted headlights and hood, muscular lines, hidden rear door handles and fluid rear hatchback design. For 2015, JUKE's bold style is enhanced with new front and rear fascias that further push the boundaries of its signature premium and sporty performance cues.

While keeping its same dimensions and aggressive stance as previous years, the 2015 JUKE offers a fresh front end look with its projector beam headlights and LED front Signature Accent Lamps. The grille incorporates the new Nissan V-Motion look, while more robust trim beneath the bumper adds to its sporty presence. The side rearview mirrors add standard integrated LED turn signal repeaters. The redesigned rear fascia features a more aggressive shape to match the revised boomerang taillights with LED accents.

Three new exterior colors are offered for 2015 – Super Black and hard-to-ignore Solar Yellow and Cosmic Blue. JUKE is now available in a choice of nine exterior colors.

Following the addition of the JUKE NISMO model in mid-2013 and the JUKE NISMO RS in the spring of 2014, JUKE is now offered in a range of five exciting models for 2015 – S, SV, SL, NISMO and NISMO RS. Each grade level is available in All-Wheel Drive or Front-Wheel Drive. For full information on the special NISMO editions, please visit www.NissanNews.com.

A Bold Urban Sport Cross The 2015 Nissan JUKE sport cross again fuses the best qualities of a sports car, including a sporty driving position, dynamic handling and powerful turbo engine, with the best aspects of an SUV – such as a robust lower body, raised ground height, confident stance and available all-wheel drive.

JUKE's authentic SUV look is provided by its broad shoulder lines and large wheel arches, while its sporty side is evident in its raked windshield, upswept rear side windows, canopy-like glass, high beltline and coupe-like falling roofline.

As in previous years, JUKE's unique light treatment draws inspiration from rally car lights, with the headlights split into two distinct elements – headlights are separated from the turn signals, which are integrated into the front fenders. The new projector beam headlights, LED front Signature Accent Lamps and bold new V-Motion grille add to JUKE's imposing front end presence. An auto off feature is added to the headlights as a standard feature for 2015, with standard auto on/off on SL models. Fog lights are also standard on JUKE SL.

In addition to these elements, other exterior details include the body-colored outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, body-colored front door handles and "hidden" rear door handles. In the rear, the revised LED boomerang taillights have an even stronger resemblance to the distinctive taillight design found on the current Nissan 370Z.

Sporty Interior Design The 2015 JUKE's interior is equally aggressive, combining bold design with traditional hatchback functionality. As in previous years, the sporty, bolstered front bucket seats – available in a choice of fabric or leather appointments – frame the unique motorcycle tank-inspired center console, which is finished in high-gloss paint. The gearshift sits high on the console, inspired by sports car driver/shifter positioning. In the rear is a 60/40-split fold-down bench seat.

Another popular element of the JUKE interior, the Integrated Control (I-CON) system drive mode selector, continues for 2015. The ICON system offers three different throttle/transmission/steering response settings – Normal for everyday driving, Sport for a more intense performance feel and Eco for maximum efficiency. It adjusts throttle, transmission (Xtronic only) and steering feel for the precise performance the driver desires.

I-CON also serves as a central command center and display module, adopting different display colors and functions depending on how it is being used. In Climate mode, the display shows the interior temperature settings while the "buttons" display air flow preferences. In "D-Mode," the buttons change to the three driving modes and the display shows engine- and drive-related dials and information.

JUKE's interior again offers ample roominess and space for five adults. The combination of the fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provides passenger and cargo hauling flexibility. Among the long list of standard JUKE interior features are a 6-way manual driver's seat and 4-way manual front passenger seat, dual front and rear beverage holders, speed-sensitive automatic door locks and storage under the rear cargo floor (FWD models only).

Now standard for all JUKE models are RearView Monitor, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition, USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System. A Rockford Fosgate ecoPUNCH™ audio system is standard on SL models and available with the SV Tech Package.

For 2015, the advanced NissanConnect℠ with Mobile Apps system is available for the first time on all JUKE models. It includes a 5.0-inch color display, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, Streaming audio via Bluetooth® and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant.

Standard on SL models (and available on SV as part of the Tech Package) is NissanConnect℠ with Navigation and Mobile Apps, with a 5.8-inch color touch-screen monitor, enhanced voice recognition for audio and navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link™ (fuel prices, weather, movie listings, stock info) (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).

Sporty Performance As in previous years, the 2015 JUKE offers sporty performance to match its distinctive style. Built on Nissan's proven global B-platform, JUKE looks exactly like it drives – fun, bold and exciting.

These improvements are achieved through increasing the compression ratio to 10.5:1 (from 9.5:1) for enhanced thermal efficiency; a reduction in turbocharger inertia, lowering the maximum torque range by 400 rpm (1,600 – 5,200 rpm versus the previous 2,000 – 5,200 rpm) while maintaining output performance; adoption of a low-pressure EGR system, which helps lower exhaust gas temperature and improve knock sensitivity; use of Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) with a new intermediate lock function on the intake side; a 12 percent reduction in internal friction through use of spray-coated and mirror-finish cylinder bores (versus the previous iron liners), which also improves anti-knock performance and reduces engine weight; adoption of a variable pressure oil pump; and revised piston shape and optimized injector performance. As a result, CO2 emissions have also be reduced by 12 percent.

As in previous years, the engine combines spirited performance and good fuel economy. Direct injection helps improve combustion, enhancing power, torque, economy and emissions. The use of the turbocharger and intercooler also help boost power, while the variable timing control for both intake and exhaust cycles improves low-end engine response.

One transmission is offered with non-NISMO models – Nissan's advanced Xtronic transmission with Manual Mode and D-step Logic Control that simulates shifts, giving a more natural acceleration feeling without holding a high rpm constant.

Fuel economy has been increased for 2015 by 1 mpg city and combined for JUKE front-wheel drive models to 28/32/30 mpg city/highway/combined; and by 1 mpg city, highway and combined for JUKE all-wheel drive models – now 26/31/28 mpg respectively.

JUKE's torque vectoring AWD system not only splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels, it also can split torque from side-to-side across the rear axle. By monitoring vehicle speed, wheel speed, gear position, steering angle, lateral G forces and vehicle yaw rate, torque can be increased to the outside rear wheel in corners to help reduce understeer and enhance the car's cornering feel. In total, up to 50 percent of the total available engine torque can be sent to either rear wheel.

Every 2015 JUKE comes equipped with the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors. Also featured are roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection, seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags.

JUKE Color Studio Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the 2015 JUKE is the ability for owners to personalize the exterior and interior of their JUKE through the JUKE Color Studio program. JUKE Color Studio gives owners the option of creating a vehicle that is a unique expression of their style and personality.

Whether owners want to match the colors of their favorite sports team, or just make a declaration of their own individuality, the 2015 JUKE Color Studio program ensures their JUKE won't get lost in the crowd. It's an approach as bold and innovative as the design of the JUKE itself.

Color Studio accents can be applied to the outside rearview mirror caps, headlamps, side sills, rear roof spoiler, door handles, front and rear fascia, and to the 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Interior Color Studio highlights will be offered for the heater vents and other elements. Available colors include red, yellow, orange, white, matte black, electric blue, black purple, and Carbon-fiber look – eight colors, 12 accessories in all, numerous possibilities. Color Studio configurators are available at Nissan dealerships, on Nissan's main website or through a smartphone app.

Color Studio accessories are sold individually and are purchased through authorized Nissan dealers. Color Studio accessories can be installed at the dealership and included in vehicle financing or lease payments. For full details on the JUKE Color Studio program, please visit www.NissanNews.com.

Two option packages are offered for 2015 – the Tech Package, which includes NissanConnect℠ with Navigation and Mobile Apps, Rockford Fosgate ecoPUNCH™, and Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD); and the Cold Weather Package (SV only – late availability), which includes heated cloth front seats and heated outside mirrors.